Title: Grounds for Change


Author: Haley Winsor
Grade Level: 9
Course:
Earth Science-Geology

Purpose of Unit

The purpose of this unit is to provide students with an introduction to geology. The students will gain knowledge of the Earth, and its geological functions. Students will learn about plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Students will broaden their view of the Earth to see that it is dynamic and has changed over billions of years. Throughout gaining a knowledge of the fundamentals of geology, the students will be exploring how the subject relates to their own lives on a small and large scale. Students will be behaving like scientists by:
  • coming up with questions about our Earth
  • gathering information from many resources
  • modeling and testing theories
  • finding evidence to support their theories
  • and presenting their findings to other 'scientists'

By learning how to be a scientist, the students will have countless of real life applications to spark their curiosity and allow them to question the world around them.By learning about these geologic processes, students will have a better understanding of what has shaped our Earth today. Students will overcome the misconception that the Earth is now static, and humans have no influence over geological processes.

science practices

Learning Standards and GSE's



The Dynamic Earth Concept Map

Lesson Sequence

Lesson1: Intro to plate tectonics/continental drift using evidence of Pangaea
Lesson2: Discuss Continental drift /sea-floor spreading (Introduce Geologic Stability Report)
Lesson3: Deformation of the crust and crust layer activity(model)
Lesson4:Time to work on Geologic Stability Report in Groups
Lesson5: Plot out plate boundaries and mountain ranges on world map& brief review for quiz
Lesson6 : Continue to discuss earthquakes and how they are detected and measured (quiz)
Lesson7: Activity locating epicenter of earthquake
Lesson8:Introduction to volcanoes
Lesson9: volcanoes contintued
Lesson10: Review for test
Lesson 11: Test
Lesson12: Present Geologic Stability projects

Assessment Plan

Rationale

EDC 430 F08 Unit Plan Eval - Haley W